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Rizal Day Festively Celebrated in the Philippines

Rizal Day: December 30

Rizal Day is a holiday that is celebrated in the Philippines as a day in history that had a great impact on the people’s pride and freedom.

History of Rizal Day in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Rizal Day is celebrated as a national holiday in December. It is typically celebrated on the nearest Monday to December 30. This day is in honor of Jose Rizal. Jose Rizal’s full name was José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, and he was known as a nationalist and the most prominent advocate for reform in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. Because of his beliefs and the changes he fought for, Rizal is considered the Philippines’ national hero.

Rizal was born on June 19, 1861 and was the seventh child of 11 children born to a wealthy family of farmers. Rizal attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree. After he received his degree, he traveled and continued his studies. He earned two doctorates and became very fluent in ten languages. To the Philippine culture, Rizal was a prolific poet, essayist, diarist, correspondent, and novelist.

Rizal was also a highly respected political figure. He was a proponent of initiating reforms by peaceful means rather than by violent action. He had admirable philosophies on how to get things accomplished effectively and efficiently.

While Rizal was a motivating cultural force, there were some who did not appreciate this. In 1896, Rizal was sentenced to death on charges of rebellion, which were based on a planned conspiracy. Many were saddened by this because they felt that his teachings were giving them more opportunity to seize freedom and peace.

There have recently been interesting debates to move the holiday to his birthday as opposed to his day of death. This suggestion has been proposed to the House of Representatives and is currently in being reviewed.

The Philippines’ Rizal Day Traditions, Customs, and Activities

To celebrate Rizal Day, there are many festivals and parades to celebrate the man’s life and values. People observe this day to remember a man in the country’s history that has influenced the culture and values of the entire country.